Honduras: Officials to extend COVID-19-related curfew 2100-0500 through Feb. 7 and tighten movement restrictions in certain departments /update 35

Event

Authorities in Honduras have extended the existing 2100-0500 nightly curfew until at least Feb. 7, except in the departments of Santa Barbara, Atlantida, Yoro, and Cortes (which includes the city of San Pedro Sula), where stricter movement restrictions will be enforced. The measures are part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and is generally reviewed on a weekly basis. During curfew hours, only heavy cargo transport and persons with safe passage authorization are allowed outside; everyone else must remain in their homes. All other previously established pandemic-related requirements remain unchanged as of Feb. 1.

Officials will continue to strictly enforce health, sanitization, and other operating protocols at commercial establishments. All banks, supermarkets, shopping centers, and shops nationwide must remain limited to 50-percent operating capacity. Previously, authorized businesses were ordered to ensure that customers have covered their mouths and noses, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing; these requirements will likely continue for an extended period. All persons are required to wear protective facemasks in public. Social gatherings are to be limited to no more than 10 people. Bars, discotheques, and convention centers are required to remain closed; several other establishments that encourage large group gatherings also remain closed.

Enhanced Localized Measures
In Santa Barbara, Atlantida, Yoro, and Cortes departments, public movements will only be permitted 0500-2000, and will be determined by the last digit of the individual's national identification card, legal residency card, or passport. Between Feb. 1-5, all digits may circulate 0500-2000 only; on Feb. 6, only numbers ending in 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 may circulate, and on Feb. 7, only numbers ending in 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 may circulate. Senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities will have special access to authorized commercial establishments 0700-0900 and banks 0900-1000, depending on the last digit of their official identification.

International Travel
Authorities reopened the country's airports and land border crossings to international travel following an extended closure but are enforcing enhanced entry requirements for all travelers. All travelers must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Honduras and a completed pre-arrival (prechequeo) travel form. Passengers departing via the land borders are also required to complete the online prechequeo form. Travelers may be subjected to additional COVID-19 testing upon arrival. The use of a facemask is required at all times while traveling.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on local disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Honduras - COVID-19 (Spanish)
National Institue of Migration - Pre-check in Form (Spanish)